FEATURES- XL2 Professional 3CCD Digital Camcorder
The Canon XL2 allows you to capture images closer to the finished
product than ever before. Work that previously was limited to post-
production can be simply and effectively accomplished in the field,
in the camcorder.
An Open Architecture philosophy, performance found only in much more
expensive video cameras, Total Image Control and the solid
foundation of Genuine Canon Optics, interchangeable lens capability
and superb Canon image processing quality are united in the XL2.
The XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to
this class of video camcorder- benefits that can not be found in
this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include:
Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the standard lens;
dual aspect ratios; various frame rate capabilities; image gamma
and detail controls; skin detail control and convertible LCD
display among others.
Unprecedented image control coordination between two XL2 cameras,
remote computer camera control and direct video recording to
computer are just a part of the capabilities of the XL2. Never
before has so much creative power been put in the hands of the film
maker, video artist, and corporate and event videographer.
Includes XL2 Camcorder Body, Zoom Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS,
Color Viewfinder, Lithium Battery (for Auto-Date), WL-D4000 Wireless
Controller, Two R03/AAA Batteries (for Wireless Controller), Lens
Cap, Lens Dust Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Soft Case, Camcorder Dust Cap,
CA-920 Compact Power Adapter and Adapter Holder, AC Cable, DC-920 DC
Coupler, BP-930 Battery Pack (with Terminal Cover), SS-1000 Shoulder
Strap, STV-150 Stereo Video Cable, S-150 S-Video Cable, Microphone,
XL2 and Lens Instruction manuals.
* 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio shooting formats
With an increasing consumer shift towards widescreen TVs that deliver
the full width of film-based theatrical movies, plus the resulting need
for productions in the 16:9 aspect ratio, Canon's XL2 offers both the
standard 4:3 aspect ratio and the 16:9 widescreen TV aspect ratio.
Representing the ratio of the screen width to its height, the 4:3 aspect
ratio is that of the common TV screen, and is the most commonly used
aspect ratio in broadcasting today.
The 16:9 aspect ratio is the more common aspect ratio for film-based
movies, and produces full screen playback on widescreen TVs. 16:9 also
is the world standard aspect ratio for HDTV.
By offering a camcorder that is able to be switched between the two
aspect ratios, Canon opens the door for multiple production options with
the same camera -- the XL2.
* Variable frame rates
60i/30p/24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2 both with 1/48th second shutter speed)
frame rates are available in the XL2.
The demands being made on the video production community to be able to
provide solutions under a multitude of different scenarios have been met
with the Canon XL2. It delivers 60i, 30p, 24p (2:3 and 2:3:3:2) frame
rates. 60i (interlaced) is the standard video frame rate that has been
in use for decades; it's what you see on your home TV, and is captured
by handheld consumer camcorders. Progressive (non-interlaced) scanning
mimics a film camera's frame-by-frame image capture. 30p, or 30-frame
progressive, a non-interlaced format, produces video at the rate of 30
frames per second, delivering spectacular clarity for high speed
subjects. Shooting in 30P mode offers video with no interlace artifacts.
The 24p frame rate, for example, is now widely adopted by those planning
on transferring the video signal to film. But film/videomakers turn to
24p for the "cine" look even if their productions are not going to be
transferred to film, simply because of the "look" of the frame rate.
Also just as important as 24p, is the shutter speed of 1/48th per
second. This is the standard shutter speed that movie cameras use. The
combination of 24p frame rate and 1/48th perfectly mimic a motion film
camera.
24p with 2:3 pulldown produces video with the look and motion of film.
(24p, used in conjunction with a cine gamma curve on the XL2, produces
images that have similar tonal characteristics as film. This mode is
used when the finished video will be shown on television. 24p with
2:3:3:2 pulldown, is used when the video is going to be transferred to
film. The 2:3:3:2 pulldown allows to editing software to extract true 24
frames a second.
* Customizable Cine Look
With "big name" and not so well known producers turning to digital video
for their "films," increasing emphasis has been placed on delivering the
cine look to video. The Canon XL2 offers its users the ability to
customize their video recordings using a number of variables: color
matrix, gamma, knee, black stretch, vertical detail, coring, sharpness,
noise reduction, color gain, hue, and film grain. Each one of these can
be adjusted independently, thereby giving you precise control over the
"film-like" appearance of your video. Because Canon utilizes a 12 bit
DSP (Digital Signal Processor) maximum image quality is preserved.
* Total Image Control
Professional videographers need to have control over the set-up of their
camcorder. From complete automatic setting to fine adjustments of Master
RGB, Setup Level, Master Pedestal, Skin Tone Detail, Program AE, Gain,
AE Shift and Lock, White Balance, Shutter Speeds, Aperture Control,
Zebra Patterns Clear Scan and Interval Timer the XL2 has the total image
control that professionals need.Because Canon utilizes a 12 bit DSP
(Digital Signal Processor) maximum image quality is preserved.
* XL Mount Interchangeable Lens System
A key feature of the Canon XL-series camcorders (and the only MiniDV
format camcorders with this feature), is the XL mount interchangeable
lens system. Unlike other systems, the XL2 offers users the ability to
change lenses, whether from within the XL series of video lenses, third-
party cine lenses, or Canon's extensive range of photo lenses. This not
only makes the XL2 a far more versatile camera, it also opens up
incredible opportunities for the XL2 user.
Within the Canon XL system alone there are four lenses: the new 20x OIS,
16x OIS, 16x Manual, and 3x Wide. Then, using an XL system adapter, the
entire range of Canon photo lenses is available -- a tremendous boon to
those producing wildlife and nature documentaries, for example. Other
companies also offer a variety of specialty cine lenses that can be used
on the XL2.
* Fluorite Zoom Lens with Optical Image Stabilization
Canon is known worldwide for its optics -- its broadcast and photo
lenses, for example. The new 20x Professional L-Series Fluorite optical
zoom lens for the XL2 is an outstanding lens, using fluorite to deliver
outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction. In addition,
the lens features Canon's superb optical stabilization system